State equine event moves to Marion

Special Olympics Florida, The Grand Oaks form partnership

In this March 27, 2010 file photo, Ashley Quesnel is helped into the saddle by volunteers Catherine Sears and Bob Sears during the Special Olympics Area 4 games held at the Stirrups 'n Strides Therapeutic riding center in Citra.

Jon Singley/Star-Banner

By Carlos E. MedinaCorrespondent

Published: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 4:06 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 4:06 p.m.

Next year's Special Olympics equine state championship will be held at The Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale. The event moves from Tampa to the 40-acre equestrian facility, which will build a covered arena to accommodate the competition.

“This will bring a lot more exposure for the Special Olympics in the community and help support athletes that have different challenges than some others,” said Susan Kelly of Grand Oaks.

The competition will include dressage, English and western riding, and barrel racing.

“These are real athletes. They train every day and take it very seriously,” Kelly said. “People are going to see a whole other interesting group of people and athletes.”

The state winners earn the chance to compete in the international Special Olympics.

The partnership may later include other sports.

“We are working very closely with them,” Kelly said. “We are really excited to have the Special Olympics Florida come to Grand Oaks. We think it will be a great partnership for both of us.”

Danielle Spears, director of communications for Special Olympics Florida, said the Tampa venue was a “great facility, but this will be a year-round partnership.”

Spears said the summer equine games this year will attract 110 competitors.

Grand Oaks owner Tom Golisano is a major supporter of the Special Olympics and donated $12 million to the international organization in 2012. The money is slated to help establish health care clinics for athletes in six states, including Florida, and around the world.

On Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., Special Olympics Florida equine athletes will be at The Grand Oaks during the annual Rochester Picnic. The event will include carriage driving and barrel racing. Tickets are $10.

The facility will host a Kentucky Derby party on May 4 to help raise money for the Special Olympics.